EP1439993A4 - Crash responsive energy absorbing device for a steering column - Google Patents
Crash responsive energy absorbing device for a steering columnInfo
- Publication number
- EP1439993A4 EP1439993A4 EP02780500A EP02780500A EP1439993A4 EP 1439993 A4 EP1439993 A4 EP 1439993A4 EP 02780500 A EP02780500 A EP 02780500A EP 02780500 A EP02780500 A EP 02780500A EP 1439993 A4 EP1439993 A4 EP 1439993A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- strap
- bar
- energy absorbing
- absorbing device
- anvil
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/19—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable incorporating energy-absorbing arrangements, e.g. by being yieldable or collapsible
- B62D1/195—Yieldable supports for the steering column
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F7/00—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers
- F16F7/12—Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members
- F16F7/123—Deformation involving a bending action, e.g. strap moving through multiple rollers, folding of members
Definitions
- This application relates generally to steering columns and more particularly to a crash responsive energy absorbing device for a steering column.
- energy absorbing devices such as those employing a plastically deformable strap, are designed to protect drivers of average weight in a collision of average severity, without taking into account the fact that all drivers are not of average weight and that collisions vary considerably in severity depending on vehicle speed at the time of the impact.
- the energy absorbing device of this invention may provide a smaller amount of resistance in the case of a less severe collision or a driver of less than average weight, or a greater amount of resistance in the case of a more severe collision or a driver of more than average weight.
- the resistance to steering column collapse is preferably provided by a plastically deformable strap.
- the strap is drawn across a supporting track when the steering column collapses.
- a displacement member displaces a portion of the strap as it moves along the track to impose a reaction force and absorb energy. More specifically, the displacement member is in the form of a ball located in a pocket on the strap-supporting surface of the track.
- not only one but a plurality of balls of differing diameter are provided, with an actuator for moving one of the balls into position to serve as the displacement member.
- the greater the diameter of the ball the greater the deformation of the strap and thus the greater the amount of energy absorbed by the strap when the steering column collapses. A smaller diameter ball will result in less deformation of the strap and thus less energy absorption.
- a controller is provided to monitor and detect such conditions as vehicle speed, driver weight, driver seat position and whether or not the driver is belted, and with that information determine how much energy is desired to be absorbed and accordingly how much resistance to strap movement is required and therefore which of the balls is to be selected as the displacement member.
- the actuator is operated by a signal from the controller through a fast-acting solenoid or pyrotechnic device which will operate the actuator in only milliseconds after the signal is received.
- the strap has a laterally displaced curved portion of generally U-shape into which an anvil extends.
- the curved portion of the strap is displaced a predetermined distance depending on the laterally adjusted position of the anvil.
- the U-shape travels along the length of the strap to absorb energy.
- the magnitude of the resistance to movement of the strap across the anvil is dependent upon the laterally displaced position of the U-shaped portion of the strap and that is determined by the laterally adjusted position of the anvil.
- the anvil is laterally adjusted by an actuator which responds to a signal from a controller which monitors the conditions previously referred to.
- One object of this invention is to provide an energy absorbing device having the foregoing features and capabilities. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent as this description proceeds.
- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view, with parts in section, of portions of an energy absorbing device for use in the steering column assembly shown in Figures 3 and 4;
- Figure IB is a view similar to Figure 1 A but with the parts in a different position;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view, with parts in section, of a portion of a base forming part of the energy absorbing device;
- FIG 3 is a perspective view of a steering column assembly having the energy absorbing device of Figures 1A and IB and Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the steering column assembly shown in Figure 3;
- Figure 5 A is a perspective view of an energy absorbing device of modified construction having an adjuster for positioning an anvil, used with the steering column assembly shown in Figures 7 and 8;
- Figure 5B is a fragmentary elevationai view of parts of the energy absorbing device shown in Figure 5A but with a different arrangement for operating the adjuster;
- Figure 6 is a perspective view with parts broken away of the energy absorbing device shown in Figures 5A and 5B;
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a steering column assembly incorporating the energy absorbing device of Figures 5A S 5B and Figure 6;
- Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but with parts broken away and a different attachment for a fixed end of the strap;
- Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the energy absorbing device, showing a modified attachment of the device to the steering column.
- an energy absorbing device 10 for use with a steering column assembly 12 that includes a collapsible upper steering column 14 and a lower steering column 16 telescoped within the upper steering column.
- the energy absorbing device 10 includes an elongated, plastically deformable metal strap 18 having one end secured by a stationary pin 20 to vehicle support structure.
- the energy absorbing device 10 also includes a base 24 which is mounted on a bracket 26 secured to the collapsible upper steering column 14 so that the base 24 moves with the steering column 14 when the steering column collapses,
- the base 24 has a track 30 which extends lengthwise of the collapsible steering column 14.
- the track 30 has a bottom surface 32 on which the strap 18 is supported.
- the base 24 has laterally spaced side walls 33 and 34 extending outwardly from the track 30 on opposite sides thereof.
- the bottom surface 32 of the base 24 has a transverse channel 35 which is perpendicular to the strap 18 and open ended and extends from one side of the base 24 to the other.
- a recess or pocket 36 in the bottom surface 32 communicates with the channel 35 at the midpoint in the length of the channel.
- the bottom of the pocket 36 provides a ramp 37 which cuts through a side wall of the channel and extends from the channel to the bottom surface 32 at an acute angle.
- the strap 18 is held down on the bottom surface 32 of the track by reaction members including a pair of spaced apart, parallel rollers 40 and 42 which extend perpendicular to the strap and are rotatably supported in the side walls 33 and 34 of the base 24.
- the rollers 40 and 42 are on opposite sides of the channel 35 in the base 24.
- the roller 40 has a neck portion 43 of reduced diameter directly opposite the pocket 36.
- Displacement members in the form of balls 44, 46 and 48 of relatively large, small and intermediate diameter, are supported in a row in the channel 35. All of the balls are large enough to project above the surface 32 into frictional contact with the strap 18.
- An axially slidable plunger 50 extends lengthwise within the channel 35 at one end of the row of balls.
- An axially slidable plunger 52 extends lengthwise within the channel 35 at the opposite end of the row of balls.
- the plungers 50 and 52 extend through holes 51 in the side walls 33 and 34.
- the plungers 50 and 52 together provide an actuator 53 for moving the balls one way or the other in the channel to align a selected ball with the pocket 36.
- a computer or controller 54 determines how much resistance to strap movement is needed to absorb energy and reduce the risk of serious injury to the driver, and transmits an appropriate signal to a fast-acting device 56, in this instance a solenoid, which in turn axially moves the plungers 50 and 52 one way or the other to align one of the balls (in Figure IB, the ball 48) with the pocket 36.
- a solenoid or a polytechnic device is usually selected to move the plungers 50 and 52 because they are fast-acting and provide a very quick response (less than 10 milliseconds).
- the strap 18 advances relative to the base 24 when the steering column 14 collapses, and during such advance rolls the aligned ball 48 by frictional contact therewith into the pocket 36 and up the inclined ramp 37 of the pocket 36 where the ball is wedged between the strap and the pocket and serves as a displacement member to displace a portion 57 (see Figure IB) of the strap 28 out of the plane of the strap 18 and thereby impose a measured amount of resistance to such advance.
- This absorbs energy.
- a larger diameter ball will result in a greater distortion of deformation of the strap, and have a greater resistance to the linear advance of the strap.
- a smaller diameter ball will produce less distortion of the strap and less resistance to linear advance of the strap.
- the neck portion 43 of the roller 40 accommodates the displaced portion 57 of the strap as seen in Figure IB.
- an energy absorbing device 60 is provided for use with a steering column assembly 62 which includes an upper steering column 64 and a lower steering column 66 telescoped within the upper steering column 64.
- the energy absorbing device 60 includes an elongated, plastically deformable metal strap 68 which has one end secured to an anvil structure 70 fixed to stationary vehicle support structure 72 ( Figures 7 and 9). Alternatively, the end of the strap extends around the anvil structure 70 and is secured to the vehicle support structure 72 by a bolt 74 ( Figure 8).
- the strap 68 passes through a housing 75 of the energy absorbing device 60.
- the housing 75 is secured to the upper steering column 64. Collapsing movement of the column 64 in the direction of the arrow A moves the housing 75 of the energy absorbing device 60 in the same direction relative to the strap, causing the strap to be drawn through the housing 75.
- the housing 75 of the energy absorbing device has a center section 82 provided with a top surface 84 formed with a U-shaped trough 86, and laterally spaced apart, side walls 88 and 90 on opposite sides of the center section 82 extending upwardly above the top surface 84.
- the strap 68 passes over the top surface 84 between the side walls 88 and 90.
- the side walls 88 and 90 have transversely aligned windows 92 and 94.
- a floating anvil 96 in the form of a cylindrical pin extends through the windows and across the U-shaped trough 86 in the top surface 84.
- the anvil 96 extends crosswise of the strap and presses down on the strap 68 and constrains a portion 97 of the strap to be displaced laterally downwardly into the trough 86 to assume a U-shape as shown.
- the amount of lateral displacement of the U-shaped portion 97 of the strap is determined by the position of the anvil 96. The greater the lateral displacement of the U-shaped portion 97, the greater the amount of resistance to linear movement of the strap.
- An actuator 98 is provided for laterally adjusting the position of the anvil 96.
- the actuator 98 comprises a stepped axially shiftable adjuster bar 100.
- the bar 100 extends through the windows 92 and 94 of the side wall 88 and 90 parallel to the anvil 96.
- the bar 100 is on the opposite side of the anvil 96 from the U-shaped portion 97 of the strap.
- the bar 100 has a pair of spaced apart stepped portions A, a second pair of spaced apart stepped portions B, and a third pair of spaced apart stepped portions C.
- the stepped portions have coplanar inner surfaces which together define the inner surface 102 of the bar that engages the anvil.
- the pair of stepped portions A have outer step surfaces Al, A2, located the same distance from the inner surface 102 of the bar 100
- the pair of stepped portions B have outer step surfaces Bl, B2, located the same but a lesser distance from the inner surface 102 of the bar 100
- the pair of stepped portions C have outer step surfaces Cl, C2 located the same but a still lesser distance from the inner surface 102 of the bar 100.
- the step surfaces Al, A2 are spaced apart the same distance as the side walls 88 and 90 of the housing 75, as are the step surfaces Bl, B2 and the step surfaces Cl, C2.
- the windows 92 and 94 have transversely aligned outer edges 104 which are simultaneously engaged by the outer stepped surfaces Al, A2 or the outer stepped surfaces Bl, B2 or the outer stepped surfaces Cl, C2 depending on the axial position of the actuator bar 100.
- the bar When it is desired to cause the anvil 96 to be displaced a relatively large distance into trough 86 to form a relatively deep U-shape in the U-shaped portion 97 in the strap, the bar is shifted axially so that the outer step surfaces Al, A2 engage the outer edges 104 of the windows 92 and 94.
- the bar 100 When it is desired to shift the anvil 96 a lesser distance to form the U-shaped portion 97 to a lesser depth, the bar 100 is shifted so that the outer step surfaces Bl, B2 engage the outer edges 104 of the windows.
- the bar When it is desired to minimize the extent to which the anvil 96 is displaced, the bar is shifted so that the outer step surfaces Cl, C2 engage the outer edges 104 of the windows.
- the bar 100 is shifted axially by a fast-acting device 110, in this instance a solenoid.
- a fast-acting device 110 in this instance a solenoid.
- the solenoid will correspondingly shift the actuator bar 100 to properly position the anvil 96 to adjust the resistance to linear movement of the strap 68 as the strap moves with the collapsing steering column.
- the device 110 may be a pyrotechnic device.
- Figure 5B shows a different arrangement for axially shifting the adjuster bar 100.
- the bar 100 is held by a compression spring 120 in an initial position against two spacers 122 and 124 between an end of the bar 100 and a fixed abutment 126.
- a solenoid 130 or similar fast-acting device is capable of punching away one or both of the spacers in response to a signal from a controller 132 which, like the controller 112, combines all of the crash information previously mentioned to create the signal. If no spacer is removed, the bar 100 remains in its initial position in which the step surfaces Cl, C2 are aligned with and engage the outer edge 104 of the windows 92 and 94.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 8 showing a special mounting bracket 140 for securing the housing 75 to the collapsible steering column 64.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US34303501P | 2001-10-19 | 2001-10-19 | |
US343035P | 2001-10-19 | ||
PCT/US2002/033590 WO2003039907A2 (en) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-10-18 | Crash responsive energy absorbing device for a steering column |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1439993A2 EP1439993A2 (en) | 2004-07-28 |
EP1439993A4 true EP1439993A4 (en) | 2006-07-05 |
EP1439993B1 EP1439993B1 (en) | 2008-05-07 |
Family
ID=23344401
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02780500A Expired - Lifetime EP1439993B1 (en) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-10-18 | Crash responsive energy absorbing device for a steering column |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6652002B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1439993B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60226470D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003039907A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2003127874A (en) * | 2001-10-23 | 2003-05-08 | Fuji Kiko Co Ltd | Shock absorbing tilt steering column |
US6877775B2 (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2005-04-12 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive energy absorption system |
US7255366B2 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2007-08-14 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column assembly |
US7407190B2 (en) | 2003-01-31 | 2008-08-05 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Steering column assembly |
US6802536B2 (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-10-12 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive energy absorbing device for a steering column |
US7226083B2 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2007-06-05 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Collapsible steering column assembly |
US7077433B2 (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2006-07-18 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Three stage rotary strap extruder |
US7118131B2 (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2006-10-10 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive energy absorber |
US7229096B2 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2007-06-12 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive energy absorbing system using pin pullers |
US7124866B2 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2006-10-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive energy absorber |
JP2006044641A (en) | 2004-06-28 | 2006-02-16 | Aisin Seiki Co Ltd | Shock-absorption steering apparatus |
US7484430B2 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2009-02-03 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Telescope feature used for energy absorption |
US7322609B2 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2008-01-29 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Energy absorbing strap with variable pull loads |
US7325834B2 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2008-02-05 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive strap energy absorber with pin puller |
US20060042458A1 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2006-03-02 | Krj Industria E Comercio Ltda. | Device applied in electronic connectors of energy provided with unit of detonation incorporated in a button for detonation of cartridge with powder |
US7334817B2 (en) | 2004-09-02 | 2008-02-26 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Active energy absorption method using tilt and telescope positions |
US7510213B2 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2009-03-31 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive energy absorber for steering column |
US20080023952A1 (en) * | 2006-07-31 | 2008-01-31 | Manwaring Marvin V | Adjustable energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column |
US7780196B2 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2010-08-24 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Energy absorbing steering column assembly |
US7661711B2 (en) * | 2006-10-26 | 2010-02-16 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Steering column assembly with active energy absorption device |
US8033574B2 (en) * | 2006-11-15 | 2011-10-11 | Nexteer (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. | Collapsible steering column assembly |
US20090090210A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2009-04-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Collapsible steering column assembly |
US9649932B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-05-16 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Rake lever actuated shift mechanism clamp |
US9969260B2 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2018-05-15 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Steering column mounted telescoping transmission shifter |
US9937790B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 | 2018-04-10 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Mounting assembly for vehicle shift mechanism |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2000076833A1 (en) * | 1999-06-11 | 2000-12-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3392599A (en) * | 1966-12-30 | 1968-07-16 | Gen Motors Corp | Energy absorbing device |
DE3838595A1 (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-05-17 | Kolbenschmidt Ag | COMPONENT FOR ABSORPTION OF ENERGY |
US4886295A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1989-12-12 | General Motors Corporation | Vehicle occupant protection system |
DE69601406T2 (en) * | 1995-10-17 | 1999-06-10 | General Motors Corp., Detroit, Mich. | Energy-absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle |
US5820163A (en) * | 1996-07-08 | 1998-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Tilting, telescoping and energy absorbing steering column |
SE507771C2 (en) * | 1996-11-21 | 1998-07-13 | Volvo Ab | Device and method of protection of occupants in vehicles |
DE19749970A1 (en) * | 1997-11-05 | 1999-05-12 | Petri Ag | Occupant safety device for the driver side of a motor vehicle |
DE19803156C1 (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 1999-08-12 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Energy absorbing mounting for vehicle bumper |
FR2788029B1 (en) * | 1999-01-06 | 2001-02-23 | Lemforder Nacam Sa | MODULAR ENERGY ABSORPTION DEVICE FROM A AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN |
JP3468711B2 (en) * | 1999-02-18 | 2003-11-17 | 株式会社山田製作所 | Steering column shock absorber |
US6189929B1 (en) * | 1999-11-02 | 2001-02-20 | Trw Inc. | Adaptive collapsible steering column |
-
2002
- 2002-10-17 US US10/272,637 patent/US6652002B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-10-18 EP EP02780500A patent/EP1439993B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-10-18 DE DE60226470T patent/DE60226470D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-10-18 WO PCT/US2002/033590 patent/WO2003039907A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2000076833A1 (en) * | 1999-06-11 | 2000-12-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Energy absorber for motor vehicle steering column |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60226470D1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
US6652002B2 (en) | 2003-11-25 |
EP1439993B1 (en) | 2008-05-07 |
EP1439993A2 (en) | 2004-07-28 |
WO2003039907A2 (en) | 2003-05-15 |
US20030075913A1 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
WO2003039907A3 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
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